Horse Health 101: Vital Signs and Colic Management Tips

Colic is a term that sends a chill down any horse owner's spine. It refers to gastrointestinal pain and is one of the most common major health issues in horses. Colic can be caused by various factors, and recognizing the signs early can make all the difference in ensuring your horse's well-being. Along with understanding colic, knowing how to monitor your horse's vital signs is crucial for maintaining their health and catching potential issues early.

Recognizing and Managing Colic

Causes of Colic
Colic can be triggered by a range of factors, including changes in diet, water intake, or environment. Stress, fear, excitement, and even weather changes can contribute to altered gastrointestinal (GI) motility, leading to colic. It’s essential to understand that colic doesn’t have a single cause, and as such, there isn’t one surefire way to prevent or treat it. Colic can affect horses of all ages, from foals dealing with meconium impaction to yearlings with parasite-related issues.

Signs of Colic
Colic symptoms can vary from mild to severe. Mild signs include a horse not eating, occasionally pawing, curling their upper lip, or lying down more frequently than usual. Severe signs involve more dramatic behaviors like rolling and thrashing uncontrollably.

What to Do If Your Horse Is Colicking
Safety should be your top priority if your horse is experiencing colic. If the horse is thrashing or rolling in a safe area, let them do so. Contrary to popular belief, rolling does not cause a horse’s gut to twist; it’s a reaction to the pain they are already feeling.

If your horse is calm enough to handle, walking them can help stimulate GI motility. A short trailer ride can also be beneficial. However, always call your veterinarian as soon as you suspect colic. The earlier you involve a vet, the better the chances of a quick and less complicated recovery. Before your vet arrives, gather as much information as possible, such as when the horse last ate, whether they’ve passed manure or gas, and any recent changes in diet or environment.

What Not to Do
There are several things you should avoid when dealing with a colicking horse:

• Avoid giving Banamine without consulting your vet: If a vet hasn’t examined the horse yet, giving Banamine (a common muscle relaxer) can mask symptoms, making it harder for your vet to diagnose the issue. If your vet does advise giving Banamine and it doesn’t work within an hour, contact your vet immediately.
• Never force water into your horse's mouth: This can cause water to enter the lungs, leading to respiratory distress.
• Don’t attempt to administer an enema or rectal exam: These procedures should only be done by a veterinarian due to the risk of serious injury.
• Don’t over-walk your horse: While walking can help, too much can cause exhaustion and even lead to complications like laminitis (founder).

 

Monitoring Your Horse’s Vital Signs

Knowing how to check your horse’s vital signs can provide early clues to their overall health and help you detect issues like colic sooner.

1. Temperature

• Normal Range: 99 to 101.5°F
• How to Measure: Use a rectal thermometer. Digital thermometers are easy to read and available at most stores, but make sure the batteries are fresh. If the temperature exceeds 101.5°F, your horse may have a fever, indicating an infection or inflammatory response.

2. Pulse

• Normal Range: 28 to 44 beats per minute
• How to Measure: Feel for the pulse on the lower jawline or fetlock, or use a stethoscope behind the left elbow. Count the beats for 15 seconds and multiply by four. An elevated pulse, especially if it’s above 48 beats per minute at rest, could indicate pain, dehydration, or distress.

3. Respiration Rate

• Normal Range: 10 to 24 breaths per minute
• How to Measure: Watch your horse’s flank as they breathe in and out, counting the breaths for 15 seconds and multiplying by four. Rapid breathing without exercise or continued high respiratory rates can indicate respiratory disease or discomfort.

4. Mucous Membranes and Capillary Refill

• Normal Appearance: Pink and moist
• How to Check: Lift the upper lip to inspect the gums. They should be moist and pink. Press on the gums to check capillary refill—healthy gums will turn pink within one to two seconds after being pressed.

5. Gut Sounds

• Normal Sound: You should hear two to three strong gurgles every 30 seconds.
• How to Check: Place your ear or a stethoscope on the horse’s abdomen. Lack of gut sounds can be a sign of colic or other GI issues.

Equimedic Equine First Aid Kits: Be Prepared

Whether you're at home or on the road, having a well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any horse owner. Equimedic offers a range of first aid kits tailored to different needs, ensuring that you're prepared for any situation.

1. Equimedic Basic Equine First Aid Kit

This affordable, all-essential kit is perfect for horse owners who want to be prepared without breaking the bank. It’s compact, making it ideal for both barn use and travel, covering basic emergency needs for one to three horses.

Size: 8.5" Tall, 10" Wide; 4.5" Deep

Weight: 5 pounds                                                            

382.5" cubic inches of storage space

Kit Contents: EquiMedic USA Soft-Sided Small Hanging Medical Bag; Alcohol Wipes; Antibiotic Packets; Sanitizing Towelettes; Povidone Iodine Swabsticks;  Antiseptic Ointment; Cotton Roll; Flashlight; Non-Sterile Dressings; Small Sterile Dressings; Non-Adherent Dressing; Exam Gloves; Hoof Pick; Hydrogen Peroxide; Liniment; Iodine Wipes; Long Wooden Handled Cotton Tipped Applicators; Medical Towels; Tourniquet; Cohesive Tape Roll; Wood Applicators; Instant Cold Pack; Aspirin; Ibuprofen; ¾” Self-Adhesive Bandages; 1” Self-Adhesive Bandages; Rolled White & Brown Gauze; Medium Dressing; Eye Wash; Thumb Forceps; Microbial & Germicidal Wipes; Pocket Scalpel; Bandage Scissors.

 

2. Equimedic Small Barn Equine First Aid Kit

Ideal for smaller barns with one to three horses, this comprehensive kit is well-organized with three main zippered compartments and outside pockets. It includes everything you need for emergencies, making it a must-have for any barn.

Size: 10" Tall; 15" Wide; 11" Deep

Weight: 13 pounds

1,650 cubic inches of storage space 

Kit Contents: EquiMedic USA Soft-Sided Small Triple-Section Medical Bag; Alcohol Wipes; Sanitizing Wipes; Povidone Iodine Swabsticks; Bloodstop Powder; Eye Wash; Flashlight; Small, Medium & Large Sterile Dressings; Non-Sterile Dressings; Non-Adherent Dressings; Exam Gloves; Hoof Pick; Long Wooden Handled Cotton Tipped Applicators; Tourniquet; Medical Towels; 4” & 6” Cohesive Tape Rolls; Wood Applicators; ¾” Self-Adhesive Bandages; 1” Self-Adhesive; Bandage Scissors; Betadine Surgical Scrubs; Antiseptic Ointment; Cotton Roll; Hydrogen Peroxide; Liniment; Thumb Forceps; Wrap Cutter; Iodine Wipes; Epsom Salts; Rolled White & Brown Gauzes; Microbial & Germicidal Wipes; 2” Elastic Adhesive Tape Rolls; Betadine Solution; Alcohol; Bandage Pins; Digital Thermometer; Triple Antibiotic; 3cc, 6cc, 10cc, 20cc & 30cc Syringes; 18g X 1”, 20g X 1”, 18g X 1.5” & 20g X 1.5” Hypodermic Needles.

 

3. Equimedic Small Trailering Equine First Aid Kit

Designed for those who travel with their horses, this kit is compact yet thorough, providing essential supplies for up to three horses on the go. With multiple pockets and compartments, it’s easy to access what you need quickly.

Size: 11" Tall; 16" Wide; 11" Deep    

Weight:  9 pounds

1,936 cubic inches of storage space 

Kit Contents: EquiMedic USA Soft-Sided Large Hanging Medical Bag; Alcohol Wipes; Sanitizing Wipes; Povidone Iodine Swabsticks; Bloodstop Powder; Eye Wash; Flashlight; Non-Sterile Dressings; Small & Medium Sterile Dressings; Non-Adherent Dressings; Exam Gloves; Hoof Pick; Long Wooden Handled Cotton Applicators; Tourniquet; Medical Towels; 2” & 4”Cohesive Tape Rolls; Wood Applicators; ¾” Self-Adhesive Bandages; 1” Self-Adhesive Bandages; Bandage Scissors; Bandage Pins; Betadine Surgical Scrub; Antiseptic Ointment; Cotton Roll; Electrolyte Powder; Hydrogen Peroxide; Liniment; Thumb Forceps; 2” Elastic Adhesive Tape Roll; Iodine Wipes; Rolled White & Brown Gauze; Microbial Wipes; Germicidal Wipes; Small & Large Instant Cold Packs; Betadine Solution; Wrap Cutter; Emergency Blanket; 3cc, 6cc, 10cc, 20cc & 30cc Syringes; 18g X 1”, 20g X 1”, 18g X 1.5” & 20g X 1.5” Hypodermic Needles.

 

4. Equimedic Large Trailering Equine First Aid Kit

For serious haulers with large rigs, this kit is designed to stay in your trailer’s tack room. It’s packed with 18 additional products and 169 more items than the smaller trailering kit, ensuring you're covered for both equine and human emergencies while on the road.

Size: 12.5" Tall; 17.5" Wide; 12" Deep    

Weight: 19 pounds

2,625 cubic inches of storage space 

Kit Contents: EquiMedic USA Soft-Sided Large Flap-Front Medical Bag; Long Wooden Handled Cotton Tipped Applicators; Medical Towels; Wood Applicators; Non-Sterile Dressings; Small, Medium & Large Sterile Dressings; Non-Adherent Dressings; 2”, 4” & 6” Cohesive Tape Rolls; Cotton Roll; Alcohol Wipes; Sanitizing Wipes; Povidone Iodine Swabsticks; Eye Wash; Betadine Surgical Scrubs; Iodine Wipes; Hydrogen Peroxide; Alcohol; Betadine Solution; Flashlight; Exam Gloves; Hoof Picks; Tourniquets; Bandage Scissors; Thumb Forceps; Wrap Cutter; Digital Thermometer; Antibiotic Ointment; Hydrocortisone Cream; Analgesic; Lip Balm; Sting Relief Wipes; Insect Repellent; Sunscreen; Burn Relief Gels; ¾” Self-Adhesive Bandages; 1” Self-Adhesive Bandages; Topical Relief Gel; Butterfly Self-Adhesive Bandages; Triangular Bandage; Emergency Blanket; Electrolyte Powder; Small & Large Instant Cold Packs; Liniment; Antiseptic Ointment; Bloodstop Powder; Wound Kote; Microbial & Germicidal Towelettes; Rolled White & Brown Gauzes; 2” & 4” Elastic Adhesive Tape; pocket scalpels; 3cc, 6cc, 10cc, 20cc & 30cc Syringes; 18g X 1”, 20g X 1” Hypodermic Needles.

 

 

Understanding the signs of colic and how to check your horse’s vital signs are critical skills for any horse owner. Being prepared with the right knowledge and tools, like a well-stocked Equimedic First Aid Kit, can make all the difference in managing your horse’s health. Always consult with your veterinarian at the first sign of trouble, and regularly monitor your horse’s vital signs to catch any health issues early.